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How To Get A Temporary Phone Number? (Top 7 Providers)

October 9, 2023

Arun Upadhyay

10 min read

How to Get a Temporary Phone Number? ( What is it, How it Works ) How to Get a Temporary Phone Number? ( What is it, How it Works )

Temporary phone numbers have become an integral part of today’s business communication, making it the cornerstone for businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive marketplace.

Businesses need to engage with their customers constructively to address their queries and concerns, which is why phone numbers are pivotal in their growth. Phone numbers have become essential for both professional and personal communication.

However, they have certain limitations and drawbacks, such as privacy concerns. This is why businesses often use temporary phone numbers in specific cases. Temporary numbers are ideal for those who prioritize privacy and prefer not to share their primary phone numbers.

This blog post aims to elucidate the advantages of using a temporary phone number for verification and calls in the real world. Additionally, you will gain insights into how to utilize these numbers wisely to enhance your security standards.

So, let’s get started…

What Is A Temporary Phone Number?

As the name suggests, a temporary number is nothing more than a virtual number used for a brief period and is easily disposable. That is why it is also called a disposable number. These numbers help businesses prevent theft or misuse of their personal phone numbers. With the help of a temporary number, you can easily sign up for mobile applications, websites, games and even create email addresses without worrying about potential misuse or spam.

The use cases of temporary phone numbers can be easily understood with the help of the following scenario: you want to read something about your academic coursework from a particular website, but they demand you to provide your real phone number. In that case, you can use a temporary number as an alternative to your actual phone number. After completing your objective, the number can vanish, leaving no trace of your activity.

These numbers can serve multiple purposes and are ideal for online activities, creating new contacts and socializing with others. Using temporary numbers gives you freedom and allows you to safeguard the integrity of your phone number, keeping you secure from online threats.

How Does A Temporary Number Work?

A temporary number is like a short-term phone number that you can use for a little while or for a specific reason. When people send text messages or make phone calls to this temporary number, those messages and calls get redirected to your actual phone. Once the set time or purpose for using this number is over, it stops working, so no one can contact you through it anymore.

People often use temp mobile numbers when they’re doing things online, like making transactions or verifying apps. It is the most appropriate way to keep personal information safe from online threats while web browsing. These numbers act as a bride that protects your privacy without giving out your regular contact info.

Why Do Businesses Use Temporary Phone Numbers For Verification?

Due to security and privacy concerns, businesses often use temporary phone numbers for verification. These numbers serve as a shield against potential risks associated with exposing personal contact information. Here’s why:

Security

Temporary phone numbers add a layer of security by minimizing the risk of personal data breaches. They prevent direct access to a user’s permanent phone number, reducing the likelihood of identity theft or unauthorized access.

Privacy

Protecting user privacy is crucial. Businesses use temporary numbers to ensure that customers’ personal information remains confidential. This shields individuals from spam, unsolicited calls, and potential misuse of their contact details.

Verification Purposes

Temporary phone numbers are handy for one-time verifications. These online phone numbers allow businesses to confirm users’ identities without accessing or storing their permanent contact information, promoting trust between the business and the user.

Temporary Use Cases

Certain services or transactions might only require temporary contact for a limited period. Using temporary numbers streamlines this process without compromising users’ privacy.

In essence, temporary phone numbers safeguard personal data, enhance security, and maintain user privacy, making them a preferred choice for verification in various business operations.

How To Get A Temporary Phone Number?

Digital innovations have helped us stay connected with the world and made our lives easier. However, the freedom we enjoy online comes with certain restrictions we must strictly follow. A little mistake can cause massive harm to us, so it is extremely important to keep personal information secure and private. You may not want to provide your regular phone number for various reasons. This is where a temporary phone number comes in and helps you better control your internet activities.

There are different ways to get a temporary phone number, and we’ll explain a few of them in simple terms:

Using A Virtual Phone Number

You will find various websites that offer free services to website visitors. They want you to participate in their online signup process, Which requires your phone number and some basic details. However, not all websites asking for signup are a threat to your personal identity, but you can’t be sure as internet fraud is quite common these days.

With the help of temporary OTP numbers, you can easily sign up on these websites and fulfill your purpose without worrying about any threat to your privacy and personal information. This adds an extra layer of privacy.

Borrowing A Friend’s Phone

Borrowing a friend’s phone is a common occurrence that everyone has experienced in their life. This happens when your phone is accidentally lost or damaged, and you need a spare device for a short period of time to receive calls or texts. In such a situation, it is advisable to use a temporary number. This helps you create a secure environment for communication and avoid all possibilities of fraudulent activities.

Purchasing Temporary Phones Or SIM Cards

If you need a physical device for a short period, you have a few options:

  • You can buy a prepaid cell phone from a mobile carrier. It comes with a new phone number and some credit for calls and texts. No contracts are involved, and you can use it until the credit runs out.
  • Some service providers sell temporary-use SIM cards with a new phone number and a limited amount of credit. You can usually find these in convenience stores or phone shops. They work like prepaid cell phones; you can use them until the credit is used.
  • You can use CpaaS services to get temp mobile numbers at an affordable price and fulfill all your objectives without any paperwork.

Google Voice

You can get a virtual phone number using Google Voice Services. These services are free for users, enabling them to create temporary virtual phone numbers. With the help of these numbers, users can make calls, receive voicemails and send texts. Google Voice is easily accessible through desktop applications for web browsing and dedicated mobile applications.

Online Services

If you are looking for a temporary phone number just for verification purposes, then it is highly recommended to consider websites like receive-sms.cc or receive-smss.com. With the help of these sites, you can easily get temporary phone number for OTP, calling and authentication purposes.

Temporary Email Services

Many temporary email service providers on the web also help users get a temporary phone number to create a disposable email address. For such practices, you can consider websites like temp-mail.org

Ask Your Mobile Carrier

You can add a secondary or temp mobile number to your plan with the help of your existing service provider. All you need to do is check with your carrier to find out if they offer secondary or temporary phone services.

How Temporary Phone Numbers Are Beneficial: Top Reasons

Using a permanent number is not wise, especially when you need it for a short time. This is where a temporary phone number, also known as a disposable number, comes into light. It is not only easy to use but also easy to operate. It is a virtual number that users can use without any long-term commitment.

Let’s explore why you might want to get one:

Revive An Old Phone

Instead of trashing your old phone in the trash, you can still use it easily with temporary phone numbers. This is a surefire way to use your old device like new again without any privacy or security concerns.

Side Business Or Gig

Suppose you are running a small business and are fed up of receiving business calls on your personal phone number, thereby affecting your personal life. In that case, it is time to switch to a temporary phone number and keep your personal life separate from your professional life. A temporary phone number helps you have business communications without mixing it with your personal calls and chats.

Sign Up For Online Stuff

Accessing any web service is nearly impossible for users without sharing their personal information with service providers, such as phone numbers, email addresses, or other personal details. Using permanent or personal numbers is highly risky if you are unsure about the website’s authenticity or don’t want to get unwanted calls and texts. By using it, you can easily avoid all these security concerns, protect your privacy during the signup process, and get rid of it once you’re done using the service.

Work-Life Balance

Many people struggle to separate their work from their personal life. A temporary phone number can make it easier. You can have one number for work-related calls and another for personal stuff, helping you maintain that balance.

Sell Stuff Online

When you’re selling things online, like on marketplaces or classified ads, you might not want to give out your personal phone number to potential buyers. A temporary phone number lets you keep your privacy and still make sales.

Online Dating

Online dating can be fun, but it also raises concerns about privacy and safety. Temporary phone number options can add an extra layer of protection. You can chat with potential dates without revealing your real number until you feel comfortable and trust the person.

Stay Anonymous

Sometimes, you need to communicate without revealing who you are. This could be for whistleblowing, sharing sensitive information, or seeking advice without anyone knowing your identity. Temporary phone numbers can help keep your identity hidden, making it hard for anyone to trace your messages back to you. Also, you can use these virtual numbers for whatsapp or other social media apps to achieve higher confidentiality standards.

So, whether you want to use an old phone, manage your side gig, protect your privacy online, separate your work and personal life, sell things on the internet, date safely, or communicate anonymously, a temporary phone number can be a versatile and convenient solution. It gives you the flexibility you need for short-term communication without the commitment of a permanent number.

Features Of Temporary Mobile Numbers?

Temporary phone or mobile numbers come with plenty of features that help businesses and users in multiple ways. These numbers are also known as disposable phone numbers. They offer a range of benefits, including enhanced privacy, security, and convenience.

Some of the highly unique features of temp mobile numbers are listed below:

Privacy Protection:

Temporary mobile numbers offer a layer of privacy by allowing users to communicate without revealing their personal phone numbers.

Real-life Example: Users can use a disposable mobile number to maintain their privacy when signing up for online services or participating in temporary events. This is especially useful to avoid spam calls or potential misuse of personal information.

Disposable And Expendable

Temporary phone numbers are designed for short-term use, making them ideal for situations where you only need a number temporarily.

Real-life Example: If you’re selling something on a classifieds website, you might not want to share your primary number. Using a temp phone number allows you to communicate with potential buyers without exposing your personal contact details.

Avoiding Spam And Unwanted Calls

Temporary numbers help users sidestep spam and unwanted calls that may result from sharing their primary phone number online.

Real-life Example: When signing up for a free trial of an online service, you can use a temporary number to receive verification codes without worrying about subsequent marketing calls.

Security During Online Transactions:

For added security during online transactions, temporary phone numbers can be employed to receive one-time passwords (OTPs) without exposing your regular number.

Real-life Example: When making a secure payment or accessing sensitive information, using a temporary number ensures that the OTP reaches you without compromising your primary contact information.

Global Accessibility

Temporary phone numbers can be obtained from various online services, making them accessible globally and useful for international transactions or communications.

Real-life Example: If you’re traveling internationally and need a local number temporarily, using a temporary phone number service allows you to communicate locally without the need for a permanent local SIM card.

Temporary Phone Number: Top 7 Providers In 2024

The working functionality of temporary phone numbers is no different from regular phone numbers. They both look the same, work the same, and come with the same features and benefits. However, the only difference that separates them is…

Any Guesses?

Yes, you have guessed it right – they are used for a short span of time. That means people can use these numbers at their convenience and stop using them once their purpose is complete. These numbers are also called disposable, burner, secondary, or virtual numbers.

Due to their unrestricted accessibility and numerous benefits, these numbers are gaining popularity among users, leading to a growing demand.

Let’s explore the top 7 temporary phone number providers and how their service differs from each other.

Fonada

Fonada is a cloud based telephony service provider empowering businesses by offering top temporary phone numbers for verification, calls and authentication purposes. With the help of cloud solutions, businesses boost their sales and productivity. These solutions easily integrate with CRM and Helpdesk platforms.

If you are looking for a temporary phone number in India at an affordable price, then you must consider Fonada for your requirements as they are the most renowned CPaaS solution provider in the country and can fulfill all your needs with affordable options.

Noteworthy Features

  • Easy Call Management
  • Call Forwarding
  • Call Recording
  • Automatic Call Distribution
  • Call Queue

Pros

  • Seamless integration with CRM and Helpdesk platforms.
  • Offers a free trial.
  • Efficient call record management.

Cons

  • None

Pricing

  • On-request

CallHippo

CallHippo is a popular virtual phone system that many small and medium-sized businesses use to communicate with their customers efficiently. It’s affordable, so it’s a great option for companies that want to maintain strong customer relationships without spending much money.

CallHippo is designed specifically for new and growing businesses. It offers a reliable phone system that works well for both sales and customer service. By using CallHippo, businesses can improve customer service, discover new possibilities, and increase sales.

Noteworthy Features

  • Effective Call Management
  • Call Forwarding
  • Call Recording
  • Automatic Call Distribution

Pros

  • CallHippo’s user-friendly design ensures that even beginners can navigate the software effortlessly.
    They offer free trials.
  • CallHippo seamlessly integrates with a variety of platforms thanks to its cloud-based architecture.
  • Cloud-based architecture empowers CallHippo to be easily integrated across many other platforms without any issues.

Cons

  • It falls short in logging all call recordings into the CRM.
  • CallHippo only supports metered calling, which may not be suitable for all users.

Pricing Options

  • Bronze: $16 per user/month
  • Silver: $24 per user/month
  • Platinum: $40 per user/month

Burner

Burner is a popular virtual phone number service that offers users an additional phone line for calling and texting without added carrier charges. With Burner, you get a temp phone number with a local area code, useful for various purposes like dating, avoiding unwanted calls, online shopping, and secure transactions on platforms like Craigslist. It’s a favorite among people who need convenient and private communication for different situations in their daily lives.

Key Features

  • Easily block contacts.
  • Customize your voicemail greetings.
  • Manage your calls effectively.

Pros

  • Offers a 7-day free trial.
  • Has a “do not disturb” mode.
  • Supports call forwarding and texting.

Cons

  • Sometimes, calls made through Burner may count against your regular phone plan.
  • Service charges are high.

Pricing

  • Starts at $4.99 per month for one line.

DialerHQ

DialerHQ offers a hassle-free communication experience without the need for a physical SIM card. It provides call recording, high call quality, and international calling and texting, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes. With the help of DialerHQ, you don’t have to be worried about sharing your personal number for signups or verification. By using temporary OTP numbers, you can easily validate the online OTP authentication process and break through the walls that appear restrictive without OTP verification.

Key Features

  • Call recording
  • Top-notch call quality
  • International calling & texting
  • Call routing
  • Seamless business phone line setup

Pros

  • Exceptional customer service.
  • Multiple unique calling features.
  • Offers a ten-day free trial.

Cons

  • May slow down occasionally.
  • A bit expensive for startups.

Pricing:

  • Offers a free version
  • Bronze: $7.99/month
  • Silver: $11.99/month
  • Platinum: $19.99/month

Freephonenum.Com

Freephonenum.com is a VoIP service that lets you make fake phone calls to the USA and Canada without creating an account. It adds an additional security to your real phone number.

Pros

  • Browser-based, accessible to many people.
  • Smooth verification process.
  • Budget-friendly for startups.

Cons

  • May slow down at times.
  • Customer support could be improved.

Pricing

  • On-request

DoNotPay

The DoNotPay app is a handy tool that uses a chatbot to help you with legal stuff. It’s known for making it easy to deal with businesses, government red tape, finding money you didn’t know you had, and even filing lawsuits.

People like it because it’s easy to use and it’s good at helping with legal problems. The app has some cool features like high security, helping with warranty claims, registering trademarks, and notarizing documents.

Key Features

  • High security
  • Affordable temp phone numbers
  • Warranty claims
  • Trademark registration
  • Notarize documents

Pros

  • It’s available 24/7 and offers a free trial.
  • It can help you find hidden money, like getting refunds for bank fees.

Cons

  • Sometimes, the app can be slow and cause issues.
  • The customer support could be better.

Pricing

  • On-request

Quackr.Io

Quackr.io is a website where you can obtain a free temporary phone number for verification purposes and messaging. You can use these numbers to receive text messages, one-time passwords (OTPs), and verification codes. It’s important to note that these numbers are for SMS messages, not for making calls.

You can choose from virtual phone numbers in 27 different countries, which is handy for creating online accounts and going through verification processes easily. Quaker.io regularly updates its phone numbers to make sure they work well, so you can count on it for a reliable experience when receiving SMS messages.

Key Features

  • It can sync your data.
  • You can verify calls.
  • It’s highly secure.

Pros

  • Helps you avoid SMS spam by keeping your real phone number hidden.
  • It can store up to 100 messages for each number.
  • You can rent an actual phone number for $1 per day with a pay-as-you-go option.

Cons

  • It can only receive messages, not make calls.
  • The user interface could be improved.

Pricing

  • On request

Wrapping Up

Temporary numbers, as we can, have become a need of the hour today. Be it an individual user, a small business, a startup, or a well-established organization, Tempe Numbers is highly beneficial for each of them. Things like verifying accounts online, using dating apps, filling out contact forms, or other business purposes. It is really important to choose a reliable service provider for temporary numbers.

Following all the advice in this blog, you can learn the benefits of temporary phone numbers and how to use them to separate your personal and professional life. If you want to learn more about temporary phone numbers, feel free to contact our experts at Fonada and get all your queries resolved in no time.

FAQs

A temporary number, frequently referred to as a disposable or burner number, is a brief virtual or physical phone number used for transient communication or safeguarding privacy. It empowers individuals to engage in phone calls or exchange text messages without sharing their genuine phone numbers.

The validity of a temporary number in India can vary depending on the service provider or the method used, but it’s typically available for a few days to a month.

Use platforms or apps like Fonada, Burner, or Google Voice to obtain a temporary phone number.

A temporary mobile is a device that comes with a short-term, disposable phone number.

Temporary numbers enhance privacy for online activities and help users have a secure environment for communication.

Choosing temporary phone numbers is highly recommended if you want to safeguard your personal info during online interactions.

Tracing temporary or fake numbers can be challenging because they often rely on virtual or disposable options to hide personal information. Nevertheless, in specific cases, with cooperation from service providers and law enforcement agencies, it’s possible to trace these numbers back to their users, aiding investigations and ensuring accountability.

While phone companies typically assign local area code numbers, some providers allow you to purchase numbers from other regions. This can be helpful for businesses expanding their reach or individuals with specific area code preferences.

If your iPad or tablet supports calling and messaging, you can use a temporary number. Many apps offer virtual numbers that work seamlessly on these devices.

Users can obtain a temporary phone number through various online services or mobile apps. These numbers are typically valid for a short period and can receive SMS or voice messages containing OTPs. Once the OTP is received, it can be used to complete a specific online verification or authentication process.

Temp mobile numbers are commonly used for online account verification, signing up for services, receiving one-time passwords (OTPs), and maintaining privacy during temporary communication needs. They can be useful in situations where users do not want to disclose their primary phone number.

While temp mobile numbers can enhance privacy, there are some risks involved. Some online platforms may have restrictions or security measures that prevent the use of temporary numbers. Additionally, if the number is recycled quickly, there is a risk of receiving messages intended for the previous user.

Using temporary phone number for verification is generally legal. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the terms of service of the specific service or platform you are using.

Using a fake phone number for account recovery may not be advisable, as these numbers are designed for temporary use. If you lose access to the fake number, you may face challenges in recovering your accounts. It’s recommended to use a reliable and permanent phone number for account recovery purposes.

 

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